New Zealand celebrates 15 years of Middle-earth

To celebrate 15 years as the real Middle-earth, Tourism New Zealand has launched a new way to explore the country like a Hobbit, Elf, Dwarf or Wizard.

Imagine if you could travel as a Hobbit through the real Middle-earth? Or an Elf? A Dwarf? A Wizard? What journey would you take through New Zealand?

To celebrate 15 years as the real Middle-earth, Tourism New Zealand has come up with a unique way for tourists to explore the country- re-imagining New Zealand experiences through the eyes of Middle-earth’s most loved characters.

‘Middle-earth travel’ engages consumers through a unique quiz designed to discover which character they would be. Consumers are then provided with a character inspired journey throughout New Zealand with an itinerary on Tourism New Zealand’s website newzealand.com.

For Wizards it’s all about magical experiences- stargazing at the Dark Sky Reserve or discovering the underground majesty of the Waitomo Glow Worm Caves. Dwarves are a little more down to earth, and will take a journey that connects to the land and New Zealand’s amazing culture.

Travelling as a Hobbit you’ll have an itinerary packed with great hospitality, enjoying New Zealand’s best food and wine. And an Elf? Well… it’s all about the luxury – spas, wine and sailing.

Director Peter Jackson says that since the release of The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring 15 years ago nothing has changed- New Zealand is and will always be the real Middle-earth.

“New Zealand has such a variety of landscapes from lush green forests, to soaring mountains. The grandeur of these landscapes saw tourists flock to our shores, and made a huge impact on the tourism industry.

New Zealand is the perfect Middle-earth and a real place that visitors can experience for years and years to come.” Jackson said.

Tourism driving record growth

The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit Trilogies have had huge appeal and attract thousands of visitors annually, with international tourism contributing NZ$14.5 billion to the economy last year.

The International Visitor survey in June showed 16 percent of international tourists last year cited The Hobbit Trilogy as the initial reason they considered a trip to New Zealand.